Mercantilism and America: The Shaping of a Colonial Economy

Introduction

In his groundbreaking book, "Mercantilism and America: The Shaping of a Colonial Economy," Cleber Cristiano Prodanov offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the economic policies and practices that shaped the development of the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. Prodanov argues that mercantilism, a system of economic thought and practice that emphasized the importance of state intervention in the economy to promote national wealth and power, played a central role in shaping the economic development of the American colonies.

Mercantilism and the American Colonies

Prodanov begins by providing a detailed overview of mercantilism and its key features. He explains how mercantilist policies aimed to increase a nation's wealth and power by promoting exports, accumulating bullion, and regulating trade and commerce. Prodanov then examines how these mercantilist policies were applied in the American colonies, focusing on the Navigation Acts, the colonial trade system, and the development of colonial industries.

The Navigation Acts and the Colonial Trade System

The Navigation Acts, a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in the 17th century, were a cornerstone of mercantilist policy in the American colonies. These acts restricted colonial trade to British ships and required that certain goods be shipped directly to Britain. Prodanov argues that the Navigation Acts had a profound impact on the colonial economy, stimulating the growth of shipbuilding and other industries while also limiting the colonies' ability to trade with other countries.

The Development of Colonial Industries

Prodanov also examines the development of colonial industries under mercantilism. He discusses the establishment of ironworks, textile mills, and other manufacturing enterprises in the colonies, as well as the growth of agricultural production. Prodanov argues that these developments were driven by mercantilist policies that encouraged the colonies to produce goods that could be exported to Britain and other parts of the empire.

The Impact of Mercantilism on the American Colonies

Prodanov concludes by assessing the impact of mercantilism on the American colonies. He argues that mercantilism had a profound impact on the economic development of the colonies, shaping the structure of the colonial economy and laying the foundation for the United States' economic growth in the 19th century. However, Prodanov also acknowledges the limitations of mercantilism and the growing tensions between the colonies and Britain that ultimately led to the American Revolution.

Conclusion

"Mercantilism and America: The Shaping of a Colonial Economy" is a must-read for anyone interested in the economic history of the United States. Prodanov's comprehensive analysis of mercantilism and its impact on the American colonies provides a deep understanding of the economic forces that shaped the development of the United States. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of American economic thought and practice.